Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt with VIP Van

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Aurora Borealis during your trip to Rovaniemi, Finland, this tour promises a personalized, adventurous experience. While I haven’t personally been on this exact hunt, the glowing reviews and thoughtful details paint a picture of a well-crafted, flexible, and fun-filled night out with expert guides.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the unlimited range and willingness to drive up to 300+ kilometers mean you won’t be stuck in one spot, hoping for a glimpse from a fixed viewpoint. Second, the professional photography ensures you’ll walk away with stunning images—even if the skies play hard to get. Lastly, the warm, comfortable VIP van turns what could be a chilly, bumpy chase into a cozy, stress-free adventure.

One potential drawback is that if you have plans early the next morning, this tour might not be ideal since the hunt can extend into the early hours—sometimes until 5 or 7 a.m. Still, for avid Aurora chasers and photography lovers, this kind of dedication is part of the magic.

This tour is best suited for those who value flexibility, comfort, and expert guidance. It’s perfect for travelers eager for a serious Northern Lights adventure, willing to go the distance, and keen on capturing professional photos.

Good To Know

• Unmatched flexibility: No fixed route, driven by weather conditions for the best chance to see the Aurora.
• Extensive travel range: Up to 300+ KM around Finnish and Swedish Lapland, avoiding light pollution.
• Pro photography included: Professional shots taken with high-end gear, delivered via email within 72 hours.
• Comfortable transport: Double-seated Mercedes Pegabus van with WiFi, snacks, and warmth.
• Expert guides: Guides like Emin and Chevos, praised for their dedication, knowledge, and energy.
• Great value: At $207.38 per person, factoring in the driving distance, professional photography, and personalized service, it offers solid value.

Pickup & Transportation

The tour begins at 7:00 pm from Valtakatu 23, Rovaniemi. Expect a warm, modern Mercedes van that comfortably seats up to 16 people. WiFi onboard, snacks like Finnish pulla and berry tea, plus power banks make waiting and driving more pleasant. The vans are spacious and cozy, which helps when the Arctic wind blows outside. Reviewers highlight the drivers’ professionalism and friendliness, with guides like Emin and Chevos earning special praise for their infectious enthusiasm and persistent search for the lights.

The Itinerary & Route

Unlike many Northern Lights tours that stick to a set route or popular viewing spots, this safari is driven by weather and sky conditions. The goal is to drive wherever the clear skies are, traveling sometimes over 120 km one way into the backcountry to avoid light pollution—a feature many reviewers appreciate.

The tour typically visits 2 to 3 viewpoints from a map of over 300 locations across Finnish and Swedish Lapland. Since cloud cover and solar wind conditions fluctuate, your guides use weather reports, solar activity data, and their experience to pick the best spots. Some reviewers mention trips lasting until dawn, with guides like Emin hunting for lights with relentless energy, often until 5 or 7 a.m.

Food & Comfort

You won’t find a barbecue or sausage station here—rather, the focus is on comfort and simplicity. Expect delicious Finnish pulla and berry tea to keep you fueled. One reviewer said, “They don’t bother with unnecessary food but focus on what matters—seeing the lights.” The emphasis on snacks and warm beverages makes a significant difference during long nights, especially when the Arctic cold bites.

The Search & Viewing

The success rate, according to the company, was 86% during 2023-24 winter and 92% so far this season, which is impressive. As one reviewer said, “Our guide Emin kept searching until 5 a.m. and finally got us to see the Northern Lights.” Even if the sky remains stubbornly clear or cloudy, guides are committed to maximizing your chances.

The Photography Experience

The big bonus here is professional photos. Guides use high-end cameras like Sony A7III with Sigma astrophotography lenses, capturing stunning aurora shots. Reviewers cherish these photos, noting that downloading them (JPEG and RAW files available) gives full quality, perfect for sharing or printing. Some mention that the photos might look different depending on how you download them, but all agree that the shots are impressive. Guides help guests take their own photos on phones or cameras, making for memorable keepsakes.

At $207.38 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering the extensive driving, professional photos, and personalized guidance. The fact that guides are willing to go up to 300+ km to find clear skies means you’re not limited to a single, often overly light-polluted spot.

Many travelers note the dedication of guides like Emin, who is described as passionate and relentless in his pursuit of the Aurora. One guest said, “He kept looking for the lights until 7:30 a.m. and was enthusiastic the entire time,” which shows the level of commitment.

The group size is capped at 16, maintaining an intimate and personalized feel. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off within 15 km of Rovaniemi adds convenience, especially after a late night.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Flexibility and extensive travel range increases chances of Aurora sightings.
• High-quality professional photography included.
• Warm, comfortable, WiFi-equipped transport.
• Knowledgeable, energetic guides with rave reviews.
• Good value considering the comprehensive experience.

Cons:

• The late hours mean it might not suit early risers or those with morning commitments.
• Weather conditions are unpredictable, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, though the success rate is high.
• Some reviews mention crowded spots with multiple vans, which can dilute the experience.

Several guests praised guides like Emin and Chevos, calling them “phenomenal,” “passionate,” and “persistent.” For example, one reviewer said, “Emin drove 11 hours to make it happen,” highlighting true dedication.

Another reviewer noted, “Even when the lights weren’t visible, the guides kept searching,” demonstrating the thoroughness of the hunt. Many guests appreciated that the guides went above and beyond to maximize their experience, sometimes chasing lights into neighboring countries like Sweden.

A few reviews highlighted some challenges—like crowds at popular spots or less-than-ideal weather—but these are common in Aurora hunting. The overall sentiment remains positive, with many claiming this was the best northern lights experience they’ve had.

This tour from Lapin Taivas is a prime choice for anyone serious about seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. The unlimited driving range, professional photography, and warm, comfortable transport make it stand out among many Aurora tours. Guides like Emin exemplify genuine enthusiasm and expertise, making the long night feel like an adventure rather than a chore.

While the hours are late and weather remains unpredictable, the high success rate and dedication of the team assure you’re in good hands. This is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, personalized, and photography-focused experience that goes beyond basic Aurora chasing.

In short, if you’re after serious Aurora hunting with a touch of comfort and professionalism, this tour deserves your consideration.

Q: What is the start time for this tour?
A: The tour begins at 7:00 pm from Valtakatu 23, Rovaniemi.

Q: How far will the guides drive during the tour?
A: Guides can travel up to 300+ kilometers if necessary to find clear skies and the best viewing spots.

Q: Is hotel pickup included?
A: Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided within a maximum of 15 km from Rovaniemi city center.

Q: What’s included in the price?
A: The tour includes transportation, WiFi, snacks, soft drinks, professional photos, guides in English, and AI-supported translations in 10 languages.

Q: Are winter clothes provided?
A: No, winter overalls or clothing are not included, so dress warmly for the Arctic night.

Q: How long does the tour last?
A: Expect approximately 7 hours, with some guests staying out until 5 or 7 a.m., depending on conditions.

Q: What if the Aurora isn’t visible?
A: The company has a high catch rate, but if the skies stay cloudy, there’s a possibility of no sighting. Some reviews mention they didn’t see the lights but still valued the effort and guidance.

Q: Can I book this tour solo?
A: Yes, solo travelers are welcome, and reviews mention that the company is accommodating for single participants.

Q: How are the photos delivered?
A: Professional shots are emailed within 24 to 72 hours after the tour, in both JPEG and RAW formats.

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: While not explicitly stated, the tour’s late hours and cold conditions suggest it’s best for older children and teenagers comfortable with Arctic weather.

Overall, this Northern Lights hunt combines flexibility, comfort, and expertise to offer a memorable Arctic adventure. Whether you’re a dedicated Aurora hunter or a photography enthusiast, the effort and care invested make it a compelling choice for your Rovaniemi trip.